Name: Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 sweet onion, finely diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed; ½ teaspoon salt (for cooking beef); 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with garlic, oregano, and basil; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons dried basil; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon salt (additional); ¼ teaspoon pepper

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Introduction

This spaghetti meat sauce is a classic, hearty dish perfect for any weeknight dinner. Made with ground beef and a blend of tomatoes and herbs, it’s simple to prepare and full of rich, comforting flavors.

A close-up view of a white plate filled with a serving of spaghetti. The bottom layer consists of light yellow spaghetti noodles arranged loosely in a circular shape. On top of the noodles is a thick layer of chunky red tomato sauce with visible pieces of browned ground meat and small diced onions mixed throughout. The sauce looks rich and coats the pasta unevenly. A small pile of shredded white cheese rests on top of the sauce near the back of the plate. A silver fork is inserted into the right side of the noodles. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1 sweet onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
½ teaspoon salt
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with garlic, oregano, basil
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 teaspoons dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, and ½ teaspoon salt over medium-high heat until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain the excess fat to prevent a greasy sauce.
Step 2: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with herbs, granulated sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce begins to boil rapidly and splatter, lower the heat further.
Step 4: Serve the meat sauce hot over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Optionally garnish with chopped parsley and shredded parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a richer sauce, simmer longer to allow flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken.
Try adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onion for more vegetable flavor.
Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
Add a splash of red wine during simmering for added depth.

Storage

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. The sauce also freezes well for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a layer of light yellow cooked spaghetti noodles at the bottom, topped with a thick layer of chunky red meat sauce containing ground meat, diced tomatoes, onions, and small green herb bits spread evenly across the noodles. On top of the sauce, there is a small mound of shredded white cheese sprinkled with a few green herb leaves. The dish is set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this sauce tastes even better when made ahead as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day before and reheat before serving.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

You can, but fresh tomatoes should be peeled and cooked down longer to achieve the right texture and flavor. Using canned tomatoes simplifies the process and ensures consistent taste.